
Community identification
Snow Flea
Hypogastrura nivicola
- Order & Family
- Poduromorpha: Hypogastruridae
- Size
- 1 to 2 millimeters
Natural Habitat
Leaf litter, under bark, and on top of snow during winter/early spring thaw
Diet & Feeding
Decomposing organic matter, fungi, algae, and bacteria
Behavior Patterns
Large populations emerge on snow to move and find food; they use a spring-like tail (furcula) to jump large distances.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that help recycle nutrients into the soil.